Spirit Airlines bans man for vaping on flight

A man has been banned from Spirit Airlines after he was caught vaping in the budget airlines’ bathroom.

NOLA.com reported that the passenger, a 30-year-old Florida man, was on Flight 985 from Detroit to New Orleans Tuesday when he set off smoke alarms. He was taking a drag from an electronic cigarette, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office report.

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CNN reported that the man initially denied smoking when confronted by a deputy at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. He later said he didn't know smoking was prohibited on flights.

Spirit Airlines has since banned the man for life, according to the police report.

"It's a private business that can ban customers at their own leisure," Jefferson Parish sheriff's spokesman Capt. Jason Rivarde told CNN. "It's like telling you not to come back to the restaurant. Once he was on the ground, he was cooperative with our deputies so he didn't face any criminal charges."

Another passenger claimed the man was drinking alcohol from bottles he brought on board the flight, which is also not allowed, officials said.

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